The long grass tickled my palms as I walked along the prairie. As far as the eye could see there were golden hills, sparkling in the light of the sun. The long stalks waved gently in the soft breeze that caressed my face, and I breathed in that perfect sweetness of my home. It filled my lungs and I held it for a long moment, treasuring the taste of Naboo one last time.

I was dying, after all.

My security had been frantic when I had shown them the small puncture wound caused by the pin left in my study, on Naboo. I had gone into my study to find some documents of dubious importance, especially in times such as these. I had closed my eyes and imagined the scene in my mind - my Anakin laughing, his hand trailing the bare skin of my back as I had looked back at him, and smiled, not caring at all that one of those hands that had touched me so gently was cold, mechanical. He had lost his hand, but he was still my Anakin, then.

Lost in the memory, trying to lose myself, I traced the edge of my smooth, golden wood desk - everything in my study was organic, a contrast to the artificiality of the environment in which I worked - and I felt the slightest prick on my finger. It was just a tiny sting, but it made me open my eyes anyway.

I raised my hand, and looked at my finger - at the miniscule dot of blood. Then I looked down at my desk, ignoring everything else in the room - the pictures and documents, the things that made my study mine. On the edge of the desk, a pin had been attached. The pin was so small as to be nearly invisible.

Mere minutes after I called my security, Captain Typho and his subordinates, they discovered that I had been poisoned. I was quickly given injections meant to stop the poison, but all they did was slow its effects. The doctors consulted one another. Captain Typho, with his one eye blazing and his words full of fury, told me he had no doubt of who had attempted to assassinate me.

I had no doubt either. It was surely our self-proclaimed Emperor, Palpatine. Formerly pretending to be such an advocate of peace and justice, he had revealed himself for what he was in his horrific actions against the Jedi Order - destroying their temple and ordering the capture of their members. It was too late to do anything - to fight - by then, though. He had power, influence, and wealth.

And he had my Anakin.

My brave protector, my husband in secret. Palpatine had ensnared him with lies, with the promise of power that he had so desperately craved after he had been powerless to stop the death of his mother. I did not know, then, how those words - his proclamation that he would be powerful enough to defeat death - would haunt us. His desire for power led him away from the Jedi, and to the belief that he alone was right, that it didn't matter how one accomplished a thing, just as with the murder of the Tusken Raiders. All that held Anakin from completely embracing the darkness now was me. Padm? Amidala Skywalker.

I loved having his name next to mine. I loved knowing that our love was expressed by having the same name, a thing to bind us. I loved saying that name in the dark and silence of night, the only time I could because of the secrecy involved.

My physician's aged face was serious and calm, with an undercurrent of sadness and regret, when he told me that he could not stop the poison and its effect. I had a few hours, at the most. It was a quick poison, designed to kill painlessly and quietly, so that's its presence would not be discovered until it was truly too late. I nodded, and bade him to go. To leave me. He protested, told me there were other things he could try, and I insisted, knowing the inevitability of the events. I would not deny reality, would not deny what was to come. My death was at hand.

I knew where I wanted to be when I died.

My entire family - not only those of my flesh and blood, but also those of my heart and soul - protested at my plan. They wanted to be with me; they wanted me to fight it with my last breath. I looked at them all, one by one. I met their eyes with my own, pleading silently for them to see what I could not express, only know.

They let me go. My mother touched my cheek and kissed me. My father embraced me, and my sister and nieces told me goodbye. Captain Typho - so loyal to me, even after everything - insisted on bringing me to where I wanted to go. I nodded my acquiescence, and we left. I cast one last gaze over my home and my family - still untouched, with Palpatine's New Order, ravenous but slow and sure, not yet having closed its claws on Naboo.

I wanted to die in the place where I had first known that I loved Anakin, in the gently rolling plains of the lake estate. I wanted to remember the happiness, the joy of that time. I wanted to give myself some peace in remembering that so long as my memory lived in Anakin, that moment lived.

The day we had come to the meadow, we had played and laughed, and for that brief time I believed that nothing could have been more perfect or more beautiful. I had felt so happy then it seemed as if I was not in my own skin. That day had been perfection.

And so I was here again. I wore the gown that I had worn that day, years ago. It still fit, even after my pregnancy. I let my fingers trace the lace that covered the shimmersilk beneath. It was as beautiful as I remembered, unchanged by time. Its yellow color blended with the gold of my surroundings. I watched myself walk, seeing the skirt roll around my ankles. I let my hair fall unbound; it was different than the way it had been on that special day, but Anakin had liked it this way, curly and free.

The feathery tips of the grass brushed by me as I half knelt in the thigh-deep grass. I closed my eyes, remembering Anakin's touch. He had always touched me as if I were the most delicate treasure, precious to hold and feel. Never did I feel so important as I did in his arms.

I lay down carefully, on my back, beginning to feel numbness spread in my hand, the hand that had been pricked. I had been warned of what the poison would do, how it would feel. It would soon be time.

The grass felt stiff and unyielding against my head, and pricked my arms, which I had flung out to my sides - but I barely felt it; the poison was quickly taking effect. I breathed deeply again, tasting the air's purity. The sky was so blue, so perfectly blue as I looked up. It deepened directly overhead, seeming to span into infinity. It reminded me of Anakin's eyes - fathomless and wonderful. I had never tired of looking at either of them. As I lay looking at the sky and thinking of Anakin's eyes, I remembered how many times I had imagined in the earliest days of my pregnancy looking into those eyes and seeing them light up with the knowledge he was going to be a father.

I knew, now, that I would never see that look. His eyes were lost behind a soulless, dark mask and the title Lord of the Sith. His eyes behind that mask would never truly see his children. But my children - our children - were safe. The twins - my beautiful Luke, who was so like what his father had been, and my Leia, who was truly my daughter with those knowing brown eyes. They were all I had left of Anakin.

The Jedi took them, and hid them - my Leia would live among pacifists and a world renowned for its peace, as the daughter of Bail Organa of Alderaan. I knew Bail well, including his love of children and his gentleness. He would make a good father. Luke would live with Owen and Beru, Anakin's only family, with Obi-Wan constantly by his side - protecting my son with his life, if necessary. He had assured me of that when he took my son from my arms, his gray eyes soft and gentle, but also with steel born of sorrow and determination. I knew Beru would make a good mother - we had talked, those years ago on Tatooine, and she had spoken of her love of children. Both of my children would have good homes, with those who loved them.

I exhaled softly, and strangely did not feel the need to inhale. The sky was blue - so shockingly blue. In the corners of my eyes were the golden waves of grass, moving ever so slightly in the wind. My body felt heavy and limp.

And then there was a flash of something else. A man, I think, dressed in all black, even his face covered by that blur of darkness. Overhead, a ship flying with the sign of Palpatine's New Order broke the beautiful blue of the sky. The black specter knelt by me, and I thought I heard my name.

It no longer mattered. The sky was tilting, fading from my vision. I had borne Anakin's children, and given them a home. I had fought for my world, I had loved, I had lived.

This is simply beautiful. I can't imagine a more beautiful Star Wars fan-fiction piece. The strong serenity and courage and contentment with which Amidala meets her death read like poetry, especially the last few lines. If only we could all meet our end with having been so satisfied with our life's accomplishment. Her sense of mission has been completed. And, anyway, it is better for her to go now then to have to witness the dreadful scare that the Emperor's reign will no doubt leave on Naboo. That is for her family to face. Padme has played her part.

I thought a piece about Padme's death would be nothing but a downer. Instead, I find it bittersweet and peaceful. Well done, I say, well done!

I remember the moment I first read this vignette, knowing in my mind that it would prove to be another amazing piece by the famous Oba. I had no doubt in my mind that it would display excellence in concept, and eloquence in writing.

How wrong I was.

Before you launch into hysterics, perhaps I should explain my incorrect prejudgement in this subject matter. I had gone into your thread thinking that your vignette would be excellent, great, fantastic, something that would leave me with my mouth strained due to proclaiming compliment after compliment. But, indeed, I came out with a much different emotion. I realized I was wrong in my assumption, for your vignette was so much more superior and heart-wrenching than ever possibly imagined, bringing to reality the very beauty of language. You've deeply, deeply impressed me with this piece, Oba. Not only are you an excellent head handmaiden - always prepared and on top of things - but a most seasoned writer who brings to light why we love the world of writing in the first place.

I feel inspired as I read the paradoxial element of your vignette - the mixing of a calm, almost regretful serenity with the cold touch of death. The pain that came with the passing years mounted up into that final second of departure. Despite all that Padmé had gone through, had lived to see, and suffered for, you were able to take these many complex memories and mold it into one amazing piece of writing. It showed her emotions, displayed her thoughts, gave way to a storm of outside influences that imprinted their impressions forever upon her mind, altering the person she had been. Anakin, for example, had changed her in ways she could never have imagined; as did Palpatine, her loyal bodyguards, and even the family she had grown up with. You were able to take this heap of information and combine it all into one amazing, amazing vignette.

Truly, seriously, this is one of my most favorite pieces of yours. It's touching in emotion and gives justice to the passing of Padmé, leaving the Star Wars world a little darker and colder than before. Throughout all the calm and serenity of 'Done,' you still were able to highlight the coming darkness of society with the Imperial ships that flew overhead. I'm so stunned by the emotional element of your vignette, and impart upon you my deepest praise. Too bad my words can barely describe even half of how stunning your work is. But, the words must be said, and bravo to you.

I loved this story when you posted it on the boards and I love it all the more when you post it her! To think a tiny little pin would end the great Queen Amidala's life! And all for a guy! It's wonderful to see that she has enough human feelings to want to go out to the field and die.

Although I seriously doubt that I can match the eloquence of Dusty, I will give it my best effort. This isn't the first time that I've been completely moved by the haunting work of Obana. Not only is she a talented author, she's been the only one so far to respond to any of my comments, which shows that she is a wonderful person as well. :p And the story was beautiful, simply breathtaking. I loved how Padme viewed Palpatine as a thief, how she condemned him for taking away everything she loved: the peace of her galaxy, the love of her life, and finally, her life itself. I have never been so moved by a vinigrette. If not for the fact that I never cry when I read, I'm sure this would have had me bawling. Thanks again, Obana. I kneel at your feet in awe. :p

Great job- one of the best pieces i have read. You are a wonderful writer- this is your gift. Just amazing talent. I am just speechless, this piece was just so heartfelt and made me want to cry and smile- WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Well conscidered, but a little rushed. It reminded me a little of the end of Cleopatra...her kingdom over run by an evil empire her offspring taken from her (in cleo's case killed) he lover broken. The life ebbing away as poison (cleo's self administered) Slowly overtakes her body.....One slight niggle though. I presume since Leia remembers her mother that she escapes to Alderaan too. So maybe a change of timescale or the mentioning of a few years spent with her daughter in exhile would add to the piece maybe she could take her own life to protect the children....maybe she marries Bail as well to legitimise Leia's inclusion into the royal line. (though vader obviously suspects he has a son and seeks him out after the Death Star battle he doesn't even have aclue about Leia being his daughter.) just a few ideas anyway it was a very evocative piece and keep up the good work.

that was simply amazing. what talent to think of such a scene! you have a true gift. i really like how you have Anakin/Vader at her side in the end...it shows he still loves her, and is trying to help her, but it's too late...truely touching! continue to write and may the force be with you.

i dont want to be the bearer of bad news, but Padme doesnt die at least before ep6. i have a few reasons to believe so, but unless u think that lucas will go totally against about 5 or 6 very famous and big books, then she will live till ep6, if not farther.

Sorry- what's a good response without a geeky quote? Seriously, this brought tears to my eyes, which is rare. I thought it was a very interesting take on Anikan's full turn to the dark side. I've always beleived that Padme died on Aldaraan, based on Luke and Leia's conversation in episode six, but this works very well. I really enjoyed it. You have quite the gift- thanks so much for sharing it with us.

And responding to the above: Leia says in episode six that her mother died when she (Leia) was very young. That's as cannon as cannon gets. Lucas has gone against the EU before (case and point: episode II completely rewrote Boba Fett's history as laid out in the books), so don't hold your breath.

Dear Obaona, thank you for this sweet tale, and thank you for having set Padme's death in that meadow. It's very close to my home, you see, and I was there when the picnic scene was shot. That day had been perfection for me, too.

as responding to annalee:i quote from a website that Natalie Portman said herself "Padme will not give birth to the twins (luke/leia) until the very last 10 minutes of ep3. meaning that there is no way that padme just gives birth them, then dies less then an hour later. For leia to even remember anything about her real mom, she would have to be what? 3, 4? maybe even 5 or 6? so, hence there is absolutly no way that padme dies in ep6.and anyway... how can u guys say that she dies!? she is too dang fine to die!!!!!! come on, stick with it, because she doesnt die!

JUST WANT TO CLEAR THIS:i am not saying that this was a good story, it was great, very unique with all of the thoughts that went into it. congrates to the author, but i just dont think she dies, that is all i am saying, but it was still a good story

I am a big fan of the star wars universe and felt compelled to rate, and comment on your narrative concerning padme amidala's death. firstly let me start off by saying that your short story is among some of the best i have ever (and possibly will ever) have the pleasure of reading.

the words had an ucanny way of working with each other creating a "flow like" characteristic about them.i believe the purpose or goal, if you will, of a narrative such as your's is to put the reader into the shoes (or even the dress) of miss amidala. to have the reader see through her eyes and you certainly fulfilled the purpose and acheived the goal.

your perception of padme's "ending" was amazing and your follow through was better still.yet to every positive there will be a negative...

But there are those times where you just have to make an exeption...this is one of those times.

It's...I don't know. Perfect harmony? Lovely? Would any word discribe it? It's like this song we sing in Rainbow Girls. The song is called "Abide with Me" and it is a lovely song about death and it fits perfectly into this story. Keep up the good work!

This vignette was simply marvelous. I love how Padmé wanted to die in the meadow, where she and Anakin were first actually able to talk together, and the way you described her death was both very beautiful, and very sorrowful. Wonderful job!

I like how she keeps on thinking about anakin and dies peacefully. I also like the little details about leia and luke, it's not a good story if you read it and there's something missing... you filled in those missing spots! well done

You are insanely good obanoa, you make me cry every time! I don't know what else to say besides, wow! Poetic and very Padme, "Done" definitely deserves its place in the Archive! One thing, was the dark figure Ani? I did like how Padme didn't even try to discover who had found her. She really was done. I don't blame her. :'(

Emporors Black Bones!!very well written i never though of posion being the way that she would go. . but now that i think about it thast the way palpatine would do it so as long as anakin's not the one to kill her that could very well be the way it will happen